Mexico, USA take tops in CAMTRI Cup event

Mexico’s Cesar Saracho came from deep in the pack to take the top spot in the Elite Men’s division when the Barbados Federation of Island Triathletes hosted the CAMTRI Sprint Triathlon American Cup and Central American and Caribbean Championship on Sunday. Clocking under one hour over the Spring Garden circuit, the Mexican was an unlikely winner as he calmly overtook the front-runners in the 5K run.

With a tightly-packed mob coming out of the water after the 750-metre swim, Mexico’s Edson Gomez, Canada’s John Rasmussen and Brennan Smith, and Barbados’ Matthew Wright were able to put some distance between themselves and the rest of the main group early on in the 20K ride. After the second of five loops, Rasmussen and Gomez were able to pull away as Wright and Smith joined up with the main pack.

Rasmussen and Gomez enjoyed a sizeable lead for much of the ride, however, Gomez had a fall on the turn before his last loop to allow the Canadian the front for himself. When the men ditched their bikes is when things changed. Some quick runners were in the field as the guard changed, seeing Gomez and Rasmussen falling into the fold.

Saracho made his way to the front and never looked back. He came home ahead of Brian Moya of Colombia, Matheus Diniz of Brazil and Rasmussen, while Puerto Rico’s Manuel Huerta closed out the top five.

In the Elite Women’s, Mexico made two more podium appearances and the United States of America took the title. Lindsey Jerdonek of the US was first, while Vanesa De La Torre and Adriana Barraza, both of Mexico, were second and third. Sarah Alexander of the US and Canada’s Severine Bouchez were fourth and fifth respectively.

Earlier in the day, 31 age-group athletes took on the course with athletes from Trinidad and Tobago, Canada, USA and Barbados seeking glory across various classes. For the men, Oein Josiah and Wayne Edwards of Barbados did the one-two while Ayomide Gilbert-Semper of Trinidad and Tobago was third. Barbados’ Amy Cox was the first woman home as she led Rachel Grosberg of Trinidad and Tobago and Jennifer Wosminity of Barbados.

Speaking to members of the media after the win, Saracho said that he was pleased with his outing despite the conditions. “It was a very hot day and the two guys got away on the bike. I needed to run very fast and catch them, so I did and I am very happy for that,” he said.

Noting that it was his second time on the island, Saracho said that it was back to training in Mexico City before getting back on the circuit.